Today in Sports History: Azumah Nelson knocks out Joe Skipper to win title

On this day 13 December 1980(Exactly 39 years ago today) Future world champion Azumah Nelson TKO Joe Sikpper of Nigeria at the Accra Sports Stadium to win the African Boxing Union Featherweight title

On this day 13 December 1986 (Exactly 33 years ago today) Future world champion Nana Yaw Konadu Yeboah beat Kenya’s Steve Muchoki in Accra to retain his African Boxing Union Flyweight Title.

On this day 13 December 2002 (Exactly 17 years ago today) Ghana’s Black Queens crushed their Ethiopian counterparts 3-0 in their last group match of the 5th African Women’s Championship in Nigeria to finish on top of their group.

Skipper Alberta Sackey scored two classic goals while Nana Ama Gyamfua made home the third at the Oghara Sports Stadium.

On this day 13 December 1960 (Exactly 59 years ago today) FC Barcelona midfielder Luis Suárez was named as the winner of the Ballon d’Or ahead of Real Madrid’s Hungarian forward Ferenc Puskás and Hamburg striker Uwe Seeler

On this day 13 December 2004 (Exactly 15 years ago today) Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko of AC Milan was named European Footballer of the Year.

In a poll of European soccer journalists from 52 countries organised by France Football magazine, the 28-year-old was rewarded for his outstanding scoring record for Milan since he joined the Italian side from Dynamo Kiev in 1999.

Shevchenko, who dedicated his Ballon D’or to the Ukraine people, had scored 102 goals in Serie A over six seasons and helped Milan win the Champions League in 2003 and the Italian title in 2004.

“I’m happy and proud to receive this reward, which is one of the most important in the world,” he said. “I want to dedicate this trophy to my people. I’m Ukrainian and I’m proud of it.”

Portuguese forward Deco and Brazilian midfielder Ronaldinho, both of Barcelona, were second and third respectively. Shevchenko received 175 votes, Deco 139 and Ronaldinho 133.